In that regard, the university strives to ensure that it creates an environment conducive to the exchange of meaningful information.
The Declaration's Article 26 clearly points out that "everyone has a right to education" (UDHR). In this case, the Declaration recommends that the accessibility of higher education be enhanced. Further, in the second part of Article 26, the Declaration states in no uncertain terms that:
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups… (UDHR)
Saint Leo's core value of community attempts to establish a spirit of interdependence, unity as well as belonging. By ensuring that the relations between people are based on respect and mutual trust, the University succeeds in promoting tolerance. This in my opinion is in line with the Declaration's recommendation that education be designed to promote friendship and understanding among groups. It is also important to note, in passing, that Saint Leo embraces diversity. Admission selections for those to undertake their education at the institution are done on the basis of merit. In that regard, selection is not done on the basis of race, nationality or even class. This can be gleaned from the fact that via its core value of community, the University underscores the need for mutual trust and respect. Via the same core value of community, the university also identifies the need for unity. In a way, unity can in this context be regarded a call to embrace diversity. The traditional national...
In that regard, the world is today regarded a global village. In seeking to foster a spirit of unity through the promotion of diversity, Saint Leo prepares its graduates to be responsible international citizens. Towards that end, all admissions to the university are done on the basis of merit. The Declaration recommends that access to higher education be on the basis of merit.
Article 27 of the Declaration points out that an individual's right "to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits" shall not be taken away (UDHR). Saint Leo creates an environment conducive for not only scientific advancement but also the realization of the full benefits of the said advancement. This the university does via the creation of an environment conducive for learning. The University's core value of community seeks to establish an environment that is socially responsible and that can challenge all those who interact with it on a regular basis to listen, learn and even create. All those factors outlined in the University's core value of community in my opinion create an environment in which learners can exploit their full creative potential.
Works Cited
Saint Leo University. "The First Florida Catholic University: Mission and Values." Saint Leo University. N.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.
Smith, Rhona. Textbook on International Human Rights. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- UDHR. "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights." United Nations. N.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.
